10 Hidden Windows 11 Hacks and Tricks You Didn’t Know

It has been years since Microsoft introduced Windows 11, and most of us have been using it regularly. While the new design and features are great, there are still many hidden tricks and hacks that can make your experience even better. These lesser-known features can help you work faster, stay organized, and customize Windows 11 to your liking.

1. Bring Back the Classic Right-Click Menu

By default, Windows 11 has a simplified right-click menu that hides many options. If you frequently use the old menu for tasks like copying file paths or opening file locations, you can restore it. How to do it:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
4. Right-click on CLSID > New > Key.
5. Name the key {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.
6. Inside this key, create another key called InprocServer32.
7. Double-click the Default entry in InprocServer32 and keep it blank.
8. Restart your PC or File Explorer to apply changes.

2. Customize Quick Settings

Quick Settings provides a way to control Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, and other system settings easily. You can customize it to show only the options you use the most. How to do it:

1. Click on the battery, Wi-Fi, or volume icon in the taskbar.
2. Click the pencil/edit icon to enter edit mode.
3. Remove unnecessary toggles and add new ones like Night Light or Focus Assist for quick access.

3. Use the Xbox Game Bar for Performance Monitoring

The Xbox Game Bar isn’t just for gaming—it’s a powerful tool for monitoring system performance, recording screens, and managing audio settings. How to do it:

1. Press Win + G to open the Xbox Game Bar overlay.
2. Click on “Performance” to track CPU, GPU, and RAM usage in real time.
3. Use “Capture” to record your screen or take screenshots without using additional software.

4. Enable Clipboard History for Easy Copy-Pasting

Clipboard History allows you to store multiple copied texts and paste them later, making multitasking easier. How to do it:

1. Press Win + V.
2. Click “Turn on Clipboard History” if it’s not enabled.
3. Copy multiple items and use Win + V to access previously copied text snippets.

5. Use Virtual Desktops to Stay Organized

Virtual desktops allow you to create different workspaces for work, entertainment, and personal tasks without cluttering your main screen. How to do it:

1. Press Win + Tab to open Task View.
2. Click “New Desktop” at the top to create a separate workspace.
3. Switch between desktops using Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow.

6. Snap Windows for Better Multitasking

Snap Layouts help you efficiently organize open windows, making multitasking smoother and more visually structured. How to do it:

1. Hover your mouse over the maximize button on any window.
2. Choose a layout option to position multiple windows neatly.
3. Drag and drop windows into the selected layout for easy access.

7. Enable Hidden Touchpad Gestures

If you’re using a laptop, you can enable advanced touchpad gestures for easier navigation. How to do it:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad.
2. Enable “Three-finger gestures” to switch between virtual desktops effortlessly.
3. Enable “Four-finger gestures” to open the notification center quickly.

8. Access the Hidden Emoji and Symbol Picker

Windows 11 includes a built-in emoji and symbol picker, which is useful for adding emojis, symbols, and kaomoji to your messages and documents. How to do it:

1. Press Win + . (period) or Win + ; (semicolon).
2. Browse through categories like emojis, symbols, or kaomoji and click to insert them.

9. Use Night Light to Reduce Eye Strain

Staring at bright screens late at night can strain your eyes. Night Light helps by reducing blue light, making it easier to work at night. How to do it:

1. Go to Settings > System > Display.
2. Turn on “Night Light” and adjust the intensity.
3. Set a schedule to automatically enable Night Light during the evening hours.

10. Boost Productivity with Focus Sessions

Focus Sessions in Windows 11’s Clock app helps you concentrate on tasks by setting work intervals and break reminders. How to do it:

1. Open the Clock app.
2. Click on “Focus Sessions.”
3. Set a work timer and start your session.
4. If linked with Spotify and Microsoft To-Do, you can integrate background music and task management.

By using these hidden hacks and tricks, you can customize Windows 11 to fit your workflow and enhance productivity. Try these tricks today and make the most out of your PC!

What is your opinion about these Windows 11 hacks and tricks? Did you know about them earlier? Let us know in the comments.